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BANCROFT 
LIBRARY 

•0- 

THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 


SKETCHES 

-FROM    THE- 


(D 


or 


I  N    TH  E 


{Philippine 


TO    AUGUST. 
1898. 


PRESS   OF  U    S    8.  BALTIMORE 


SKETCHES 

-FROM  THE- 


W 


ar 


— IN  THE — 


Islands, 


/.  A.ilVISMER.  H.  F.  HUMPHREY. 


MAY  TO    AUGUST 
1898. 


PREFACE. 

We  get  up  this  second  edition  of  our  little  pamphlet 
somewhat  altered,  by  request  of  those,  who  did  not  suc- 
ceed in  getting  a  copy  of  the  first,  owing  to  the  limited 
number  printed.  So  much  has  already  been  written  of 
t  he  naval  battle  on  May  ist,  that  any  more  in  that  direc- 
tion must  needs  be  going  over  previously  well  beaten 
ground.  Pretty  much  everybody  has  by  this  time  of 
course  read  all  the  particulars  of  the  American  fleet's 
splendid  achievements  on  that  memorable  day,  but  as 
a  good  many  wishes  to  keep  this  little  book  as  a  souve- 
nir, and  as  it  would  be  incomplete  without  at  least  a 
brief  description  of  the  opening  and  chief  feature  of  the 
Spanish-American  war  in  the  Philippines,  we  reprint  a 
condensed  account  of  the  battle  and  the  movements 
leading  up  to  it. 

In  describing  the  miscellaneous  events  we  have  had 
to  resort  almost  exclusively  to  our  own  observations,  as 
news  from  the  various  ships  as  well  as  from  the  camps 
ashore,  has  been  rather  difficult  to  obtain. 

There  is  one  statement  of  ours,  which  doubtless 
will  cause  comment: — the  fact  that  we  give  the  number 
of  dead  on  the  Reina  Christina  as  364,  while  Admiral 
Dewey's  report  only  shows  150,  In  alluding  to  the 
official  report  of  the  Spanish  authorities,  the  local  press 
makes  use  of  the  larger  figure,  and  we  have  taken  the 
liberty  to  do  the  same,  although  it  is  more  than  probable 
that  a  good  many  of  the  missing  men  were  not  killed 
in  the  battle.  A  large  number  of  the  Christina* s  crew 
were  native  Filipinos,  impressed  in  the  service,  and  no 
doubt  a  good  many  of  them  availed  themselves  of  the 
opportunity  to  desert,  when  the  crash  came. 


^  M  S  S% 

i  TKE  l:/rrCFGFT   f.frjp,      . 


|  he  pjctn  iij  tlje  philippics. 


i. 

The  American  fleet  left  Hong  Kong,  China,  under 
command  of  Commodore  Dewey  in  the  flagship  Olympia 
on  Friday,  April  25th,  bound  for  the  Philippine  Islands, 
fully  equipped  as  to  ammunition,  coal  and  provisions, 
and  with  an  extra  supply  carried  alongin  the  transports 
Nanshan  and  Zafiro,  recently  put  under  the  American 
flag. 

After  a  short  stop  at  Mirs  Bay,  the  fleet  got  under- 
way foi  the  seat  of  future  operations  in  the  following 
formation :  Olympia,  Baltimore,  Raleigh,  Concord,  Pet- 
rel and  Boston,  and  after  arriving  off  the  Island  of 
Luzon,  steamed  slowly  in  the  direction  of  the  entrance 
to  Manila  Bay  on  the  afternoon  of  Saturday,  the  3oth  of 
April.  The  Boston,  Concord  and  later  the  Baltimore 
were  sent  ahead  to  reconnoiter  Port  Subig,  where  Ad- 
miral Montojo's  squadron  was  supposed  to  be  laying  in 
wait  for  us.  The  Baltimore  "hove  to"  a  small  trading 
schooner  flying  the  Spanish  flag,  with  a  6  pdr.  shell, 
which  by  the  way  was  the  first  hostile  shot  on  this  side, 
but  could  obtain  no  information  from  her  crew  of  na- 
tives. Finding  no  sign  of  the  enemy,  all  our  ships  again 
assembled  in  the  original  formation,  with  the  trans- 
ports convoyed  by  the  dispatch-boat  McCulloch  forming 
a  separate  column  to  the  right. 


3   3  lit 

2.  THE  WAR  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES. 

Evening  was  coming  on  as  the  ships  slowly  ad- 
vanced, and  at  dark  we  were  off  the  entrance  to  Manila 
Bay,  Commodore  Deweys  plan  being  to  enter  under 
cover  of  darkness.  For  the  purpose  of  avoiding  detect- 
ion no  lights  were  carried  with  the  exception  of  a  stern 
light  on  each  ship  as  a  guide. 

Passing  in  through  Boca  Grande  to  the  southward 
of  the  strongly  fortified  Corrigedor  Island  after  dark, 
with  the  enemy's  batteries  bearing  on  us  from  El  Fraile 
Rock  and  Pt.  Restinga,  we  succeeded  in  getting  inside 
without  being  seen,  but  were  discovered  shortly  after- 
wards, which  was  plainly  demonstrated  by  the  fact 
that  the  Spaniards  opened  fire  on  us.  Their  first  shot 
went  over,  and  struck  the  water  on  the  other  side  of  our 
line.  Two  more  shots  were  fired  in  rapid  succession, 
but  they  went  wide  off  their  mark.  The  Boston,  Con- 
cordand  McCulloch  returned  the  fire,  but  the  result  is 
not  known.  There  are  rumors  to  the  effect  that  a  tor- 
pedo was  also  fired  at  our  ships,  but  this  has  not  been 
verified. 

By  now  the  enemy  inside  were  evidently  aware  of 
our  approach,  as  numerous  signals  were  seen  flaring  up 
from  the  surrounding  hills,  but  as  our  Commodore  had 
planned  to  attack  at  daybreak  there  was  no  cause  for 
hurry,  and  we  steamed  leisurely  up  the  bay  (a  distance 
of  about  20  miles)  at  a  four  knot  rate,  with  loaded  guns 
and  with  every  man  at  his  station,  eagerly  on  the  look- 
out for  a  move  on  the  part  of  the  enemy.  The  order 
was  given  to  He  down  by  the  guns  and  get  as  much  rest 
as  possible  before  the  final  "set-to",  but  although  every- 
body availed  themselves  of  the  opportunity,  sleep  was 
out  of  the  question.  Nobody  seemed  a  bit  reluctant  in 
going  into  action  but  was  on  the  other  hand  eager  for 
the  fray  wondering  what  the  daylight  would  bring,  and 
exchanging  theories  with  his  neighbor. 


THE  WA  R  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES.  3. 

Arriving  off  Manila  in  the  early  dawn  of  Sunday 
morning,  the  enemy's  fleet  was  found  drawn  up  in  line 
off  Sangley  Point  and  across  the  entrance  to  Cavite 
Bay  in  the  following  order,  commencing  at  the  northern 
end  of  the  line:  Marques  del  Duero,  Don  Juan  de  Aus- 
tria, Don  Antonio  de  Ulloa,  Castilla,  Reina  Christina , 
Isla  de  Luzon,  Is/a  de  Cuba  and  a  number  of  small  gun- 
boats. They  were  supported  on  both  flanks  and  in  the 
rear  by  shore  batteries. 

The  opening  bars  were  played  by  the  Spaniards, 
who  soon  commenced  firing  from  their  ships  and  forts 
at  extremely  long  range  but  without  doing  any  damage. 
Leaving  our  transports,  guarded  by  the  McCulloch,  in 
the  bay  out  of  range,  our  flagship  lead  the  column  in 
the  original  formation  towards  Cavite,  with  battle  flags 
fluttering  from  mastheads  and  peaks,  but  holding  our 
fire  despite  the  fact  that  the  enemy's  shells  fell  thick 
and  fast  all  around  us. 

It  was  a  grand  picture  thus  unrolled  before  us  on 
that  memorable  morning!  The  sun  was  just  gilding  the 
distant  mountain  tops,  giving  a  golden  lining  to  the 
brilliant  eastern  sky  as  the  two  combatants  drew  nearer 
and  nearer  to  each  other,  belching  forth  fire  and  smoke 
until  the  latter,  growing  so  dense  that  it  shut  out  the 
view,  hung  like  a  death-pall  over  it  all.  But  we  had  no 
time  to  grow  sentimental;  other  things  of  a  more  press- 
ing nature  demanded  our  attention  just  then. 

When  within  suitable  range  our  fleet  commenced 
a  series  of  evolutions,  carrying  them  out  with  the  great- 
est precision  and  obtaining  the  most  splendid  results. 
Steaming  in  column  back  and  forth  before  Cavite  and 
the  enemy's  line,  we  delivered  broadside  after  broadside 
with  terrible  effect. 

Five  times  we  thus  passed  and  re-passed  the  Spanish 
line  of  battle,  each  subsequent  turn  proving  that  the 


4.  THE  WAR  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES. 

fiery  Dons  were  no  match  for  the  cool-headed  Ameri- 
cans, though  they  kept  up  the  fight  with  a  stubbornness 
and  a  tenacity  worthy  of  admiration. 

Despite  the  fact  that  our  ships  were  hit  several  times 
no  serious  damage  was  done  and  were  it  not  for  a  few 
men  slightly  wounded  and  for  a  few  ugly,  ragged  holes 
in  the  sides  of  our  ships,  it  would  have  been  hard  to 
realize  that  we  were  fighing  a  igth  century  naval  battle 
with  modern  guns  and  implements. 

After  a  while  it  was  discovered  that  the  Spanish 
flagship,  the  Reina  Christina  was  on  fire  and  Admiral 
Montojo  was  seen  to  transfer  his  flag  to  the  Castillo., 
his  next  largest  ship.  She  however  soon  met  the  same 
fate  as  her  doomed  predecessor,  and  the  admirals  flag 
was  again  transferred,  this  time  to  one  of  the  smaller 
vessels. 

Our  fire  becoming  too  hot  for  them,  they  finally  re- 
treated into  Bakor  Bay  and  inside  of  Cavite  mole,  leav- 
ing the  Ulloa  just  inside  of  Sangley  Point  and  the  large 
transport  Mindanao,  (roughly  filted  up  as  a  cruiser), 
about  two  miles  up  the  coast  and  close  inshore.  These 
two  ships  kept  up  a  weak  fire,  as  did  the  Christina  al- 
though she  was  on  fire  all  over,  until  we  withdrew  from 
action  at  7.35.  Standing  offin  the  bay  out  of  range  of  the 
forts  which  kept  up  a  harmless  fire  we  had  breakfast 
and  a  chance  to  compare  notes,  And,  strange  to  say, 
after  almost  2^  hours  terrific  fighting  we  had  not  one 
man  killed  and  less  than  a  dozen  slightly  wounded, 
while  the  carnage  on  the  other  side  was  appalling,  the 
number  of  dead  and  wounded  estimated  at  nearly  a 
thousand  men.  According  to  the  official  report  of  the 
Spanish  authorities,  the  number  killed  on  the  Christina 
alone  is  364  out  of  a  complement  of  491  men,  as  only  127 
have  so  far  been  accounted  for. 


THE  WA  R  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES.  j. 

II. 

After  holding  a  consultation  with  the  commanders 
of  his  various  ships,  Commodore  Dewey  again  gave  the 
order  to  get  underway  at  10.15,  this  time  to  attack  the 
enemy's  fortifications.  The  Baltimore  lead  and  after 
intercepting  a  steamer  entering  the  bay,  and  which  was 
found  to  he  the  English  mail  steamer  Esmeralda,  she 
steamed  to  within  2500  yards  of  the  forts  and  com- 
menced the  destructive  work.  The  other  ships  came 
up  and  one  by  one  the  guns  on  the  forts  were  silenced. 

In  this  second  attack  the  Ulloa  was  sunk,  going 
down  stern  first  with  colors  flying,  and  the  Mindanao 
was  set  on  fire. 

Our  smaller  vessels  were  sent  close  inshore  to  com- 
plete the  destruction,  the  light  draught  Petrel  going  in- 
side of  Bakor  Bay  for, the  purpose  of  setting  fire  to  a 
number  of  Spanish  gunboats.  The  enemy  had  already 
scuttled  the  Austria,  Luzon,  Cuba,  Velasco,  Duero,  Argos 
and  El  Cano,  before  they  fled,  and  the  Petrel  found  them 
rapidly  sinking.  After  setting  fire  to  them  she  came 
out,  signalling  that  the  enemy  had  surrendered,  and  at 
high  noon  there  was  not  one  Spanish  flag  flying  at  or 
around  Cavite.  while  a  number  of  white  ones  had  been 
hoisted. 

The  task  set  before  us  now  being  accomplished, 
the  main  body  of  our  fleet  steamed  over  to  an  anchor- 
age off  the  City  of  Manila,  making  preparations  for  the 
slipping  of  our  cables  at  the  first  alarming  signal.  We 
half  expected  a  torpedo-attack,  but  the  Spanish  were 
evidently  hors  du  combat  and.  made  no  attempt,  despite 
the  fact  that  they  had  a  torpedo  boat  up  the  Pasig  River, 
a  fact  that  has  since  been  ascertained. 

The  Boston,  Concord  and  Petrel  patroled  the  scene 
of  action  during  the  night,  and  the  latter  brought  out 
a  number  of  captured  launches  and  tugs.  Later  the 


6.  THE  WAR  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES. 

Concord put  some  Spanish  officers  on  board  the  flagship 
for  an  interview  with  our  Commodore. 

III. 

That  night  a  small  Spanish  steamer,  after  commu- 
nicating with  the  flagship,  steamed  to  the  entrance  of 
the  harbor  to  inform  the  forces  stationed  on  the  forts 
there  of  the  defeat,  demand  surrender  to  us  and  bring 
in  the  breech-plugs  of  the  guns.  Returning  the  next 
morning  early  they  brought  the  reply,  that  ifive  wanted 
the  breech-plugs  ive  could  come  out  and  get  them.  As  this 
could  be  construed  in  different  ways,  the  Raleigh  and 
Baltimore,  when  going  out  there  the  same  day,  kept  all 
guns  loaded  and  pointed,  approaching  the  forts  very 
cautiously.  The  Raleigh  had  in  tow  a  tug  which  was 
flying  the  Spanish  colors  and  the  flag  of  truce,  having 
on  board  a  number  of  Spanish  officers.  When  off  Corrig- 
gedor  she  was  sent  ashore  with  an  armed  party,  our 
guns  covering  them,  ready  to  fire  at  the  first  sign  of  a 
treacherous  move  on  the  side  of  the  Spaniards.  Every- 
thing proved  bona  fide  however,  and  a  conference  was 
held  with  the  governor  of  Conigedor  on  board  the 
Raleigh,  It  appeared  from  conversation  with  some  of 
the  soldiers  that  they  would  be  more  than  glad  to  give 
up  the  fight,  as  they  were  weak  from  actual  starvation, 
and  they  also  claimed  to  have  received  no  pay  for  the 
last  seven  months.  To  them  surrender  meant  food  at 
all  events,  which  was  more  than  the  country  they  had 
fought  so  valiantly  for  was  able  to  give  them.  Truly, 
a  man  with  an  empty  stomach  makes  a  poor  soldier. 

The  two  ships  returned  to  Manila  after  dark,  and 
the  following  day  the  Raleigh  and  Concord  went  out  to 
finish  negotiations  for  surrender. 

Working  parties  were  now  sent  ashore  at  Cavite, 
and  everything  of  value  sent  on  board  our  ships  or  put 


THE  WA  R  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES.  7. 

in  shape  for  fucure  use.  Our  shells  had  wrought  great 
havoc  as  they  went  tearing  through  the  solid  stone 
walls,  carrying  death  and  destruction  in  their  wake.  A 
large  number  of  dead  and  wounded  had  been  left  behind 
by  the  fleeing  Spaniards,  and  they  presented  a  ghastly 
sight,  while  the  stench  was  unendurable.  Our  men  set 
to  work  burying  the  dead,  and  the  American  sense  of 
humanity  showed  itself,  when  surgeons  and  nurses  were 
sent  ashore  to  help  care  for  their  wounded.  The  side- 
wheel  steamer  Isabel  I  (captured  from  the  Spanish)  was 
fitted  up  as  a  hospital  ship  and  under  the  flag  of  the  red 
cross  sent  to  transfer  the  wounded  to  Manila.  A  guard 
of  twelve  marines  was  established  at  the  captured  navy 
yard,  and  to  them  belongs  the  distinction  of  raising  the 
first  American  flag  that  ever  flew  over  Cavite. 

The  enemy's  transport  Manila  loaded  with  cattle 
and  a  few  supplies  was  brought  out  from  behind  the  ar- 
senal, the  Stars  and  Stripes  hoisted  on  her  and  a  prize 
crew  sent  on  board.  Since  then  a  battery  of  10  guns 
has  been  put  on  her,  and  she  is  now  ready  to  fight  her 
former  owners. 

IV. 

The  week  following  the  naval  battle  two  of  our 
ships,  this  time  the  Baltimore  and  the  Petrel  with  their 
tenders  in  tow,  were  sent  to  the  entrance  of  the  Bay  for 
the  purpose  of  destroying  the  Spanish  means  of  com- 
munication, and  whatever  was  left  of  the  half  dozen  or 
so  batteries,  scattered  over  the  various  points  and  head- 
lands. Port  Mariveles  was  entered  and  the  Baltimore 
landed  her  Marines  and  two  armed  boats  crews,  the 
Petrel  steaming  close  to  the  shore  to  cover  the  landing. 
Marching  through  the  streets,  the  little  town  was  found 
to  be  deserted  save  for  a  few  men  and  boys,  who  were 
staring  at  us  in  open  eyed  wonder.  Through  an  in- 


8.  THE  WAR  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES. 

terpreter  we  learned  that  the  inhabitants  had  fled  to  the 
woods  with  their  belongings  when  they  saw  us  enter  the 
bay.  As  soon  as  they  found  that  we  meant  them  no 
harm  they  began  returning,  and  they  told  us  that  the 
small  Spanish  garrison  stationed  there  was  hiding  in 
the  woods  north  of  the  town.  Skirmishers  were  sent 
out  in  all  directions,  but  no  trace  of  the  enemy  could  be 
found.  Night  was  now  coming  on,  and  after  destroying 
the  telegraph  lines  we  returned  to  the  ships. 

The  next  morning  the  tenders  landed  men  at  the 
various  batteries,  and  after  destroying  all  the  guns,  the 
ships  returned  and  again  joined  the  fleet  offCavite. 


Early  one  bright  morning  a  small  vessel  flying  the 
Spanish  colors  and  evidently  wanting  to  communicate 
with  the  navy  yard,  as  she  had  a  string  of  signal  flags 
hoisted,  was  seen  entering  the  harbor.  The  Raleigh, 
which  ship  was  patroling  the  bay,  started  for  the  little 
stranger  and  sent  a  shell  whistling  across  her  bows,  but 
as  this  failed  to  check  her,  the  Olympiaa.n<\  Boston  also 
opened  fire.  .She  still  seemed  to  hesitate  until  a  shell 
fell  uncomfortably  close.  She  then  hove  to  and  struck 
her  colors,  at  the  same  time  running  up  a  white  flag. 

On  being  boarded  she  was  found  to  be  the  Spanish 
gun  boat  Callao  coming  from  the  southern  islands,  and 
having  absolutely  no  knowledge  of  the  existing  war. 
When  asked  why  he  did  not  heave  to  sooner,  hei  Cap- 
tain gave  the  astounding  answer,  that  he  thought  our 
ships  were  the  Spanish,  and  that  they  were  having  tar- 
get practice.  The  Spaniards  again  had  proof  of  the 
Americans  generosity,  as  captain  and  crew  of  the  cap- 
tured gun-boat  were  landed  unmolested  with  their  per- 
sonal effects,  a  thing  which  they  hardly  would  have 
done  to  us,  had  the  case  been  reversed.  Half  an  hour 


THE  WA  R  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES.  9. 


after  the  capture,  the  Callao  was  darting  to  and  fro  in 
our  line,  proudly  flying  Old  Glory  and  manned  by  good 
Yankee  sailors. 

VI. 

During  all  this  time  the  rebels  were  not  idle,  but 
were  on  the  other  hand  proving  themselves  allies  of  no 
small  importance.  Skirmishes  between  them  and  the 
straggling  Spaniards  took  place  at  frequent  intervals, 
the  insurgent  forces  under  the  command  of  General 
Aguinaldo  gaining  more  and  more  ground  every  day. 
Finally  the  now  scattered  forces  of  the  enemy  were  all 
driven  inside  of  the  city  wall  of  old  Manila,  where  they 
fortified  themselves  as  best  they  could  seemingly  deter- 
mined to  make  a  last  brave  stand.  The  rebels  advanced  to 
Fort  Malate  in  the  southern  suburb,  but  were  restrained 
from  attacking  the  city  by  our  admiral,  who,  well  know- 
ing that  he  did  not  have  a  sufficient  force  to  effectually 
patrol  so  large  a  city,  preferred  to  await  the  arrival  of 
troops  from  the  States. 

The  insurgents  were  supplied  with  arms  and  ammu- 
nition captured  from  the  Spaniards,  as  well  as  from  a 
supply  brought  by  the  small  steamer  Faion  of  Amoy. 

Daily  and  nightly  large  numbers  of  prisoners  of  war 
were  brought  into  Cavite,  so  man}',  in  fact,  that  they 
could  be  counted  by  the  thousands.  They  were  confined 
in  prisons  formerly  belonging  to  themselves,  and  among 
them  were  captains,  majors,  colonels  and  even  generals 
in  their  gaudy  uniforms,  a  relic  of  former  splendor.  It 
must  indeed  have  been  galling  to  them  to  thus  have  the 
tables  turned,  and  finding  themselves  at  the  mercy  of 
those  they  had  ruled  with  an  iron  hand  for  so  long, 
showing  the  basest  cruelty  when  opportunity  offered. 

They  could  expect  but  little  mercy  from  these  sa- 
vages, as  they  were  wont  to  call  them,  but  the  rebels 


io.  THE  WAR  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES. 

led  by  intelligent  and  cultured  men  of  their  own  race, 
showed  more  humanity  than  the  Spaniards  according 
to  history  ever  did. 

The  Spanish  authorities  still  in  power  at  Manila  in 
vain  appealed  to  the  Filipinos  to  become  loyal  Spanish 
subjects,  warning  them  against  the  American  'heretics', 
who  they  said  would  not  only  take  their  religion  away 
from  them,  but  "make  them  beasts  of  burden,  and  sub- 
ject them  to  monstrous  atrocities,  unheard  of  under  the 
Spanish  rule".  But  the  poor  downtrodden  natives  well 
knew  their  former  tormentors,  and  their  promises  al- 
ternating with  threats  of  a  swift  and  terrible  vengeance 
went  unheeded. 

VII. 

Bright  and  early  on  the  morning  of  June  ijth.,  the 
Baltimore  left  the  fleet  in  Manila  Bay  and  steamed 
northward  to  meet  the  expected  troops. 

After  cruising  around  off  the  northern  coast  of 
Luzon  Island  for  n  days,  keeping  a  sharp  look-out  for 
the  much  longed  for  ships,  their  vigilant  watch  was 
finally  rewarded  on  the  afternoon  of  June  the  28th. 

It  was  just  a  little  after  half  past  one  o'clock,  when 
"smoke  ahead"  rang  out  from  the  masthead  look-out, 
and  at  once  there  was  a  general  rush  for  the  fo'c'sle. 
Everybody  of  course  had  to  satisfy  himself  that  there 
was  no  faking. 

No,  sure  enough,  there  on  the  distant  horizon  could 
be  made  out  a  tiny  column  of  smoke,  rising  perpendic- 
ularly in  the  calm,  heated  atmosphere.  Soon  another 
column  sprang  into  view,  then  another  and  yet  anothei. 

Rumors  of  Spanish  fleets  began  flying  around,  as 
usual,  and  there  was  some  speculation  as  to  whether  it 
really  was  our  ships  or  not.  It  would  have  been  a  rather 
precarious  situation  for  us,  should  the  oncoming  ships 


THE  WA  R  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES.  //. 

have  proved  to  be  Spanish  cruisers. 

But  the  good  old  Baltimore  made  for  the  now 
plainly  visible  four  ships  at  full  speed,  and  at  ten  min- 
utes to  three  they  could  be  made  out  to  be  the  Charles- 
ton^ convoying  the  City  of  Peking,  Australia  and  City  of 
Sydney. 

On  they  came,  with  the  Stars  and  Stripes  flying  at 
every  masthead,  presenting  a  beautiful  sight  as  they 
steamed  in  column  over  the  mirror-like  tropical  sea. 
The}'  had  2500  troops  on  board,  and  long  before  they 
came  abeam  of  us,  the  upper  decks  and  rails  presented 
a  very  crowded  appearance.  On  the  Charleston  were 
also  a  number  of  prisoners  from  the  captured  garrison 
at  Guam,  Ladrone  Islands. 

At  three  o'clock  the  Baltimore  stopped  her  engines, 
and  as  the  ships  passed,  "in  review"  as  it  were,  cheers, 
three  times  three,  rent  the  air  amid  waving  of  hats  and 
with  the  bands  playing  national  airs.  It  was  a  grand 
meeting — one  of  those  which  happens  but  seldom 
in  a  lifetime. 

The  ships  started  again  in  the  direction  of  Manila 
shortly  before  four  o'clock. 

Two  quite  exciting  incidents  took  place  that  night 
during  the  run  down  the  coast.  The  Baltimore  was 
leading  at  a  ten  knot  rate,  when  suddenly  a  light  was 
made  out  directly  ahead  at  IT  o'clock.  It  was  fast  dis- 
appearing and  we  immideately  gave  chase  at  full  speed 
with  all  hands  at  quarters  ready  foraction.  The  stranger, 
whoever  she  was  or  whatever  she  was,  at  first  seemed 
to  be  gaining,  but  after  giving  our  engines  a  few  extra 
turns  \ve  finally  overhauled  her  and  brought  her  to  with 
a  couple  of  6-pdr.  shells.  On  being  boarded  by  an  of- 
ficer in  an  armed  boat,  she  was  found  to  be  the  English 
steamer  Chittagong  from  Aparri  to  Port  Said  with  a 
cargo  of  tobacco.  After  satisfying  our  captain  that  she 


12.  THE  WAR  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES. 

was  what  she  claimed  to  be,  she  was  allowed  to  proceed. 

At  3.50  the  next  morning  we  were  again  broken  out 
of  our  hard-earned  sleep  by  the  call  to  general  quarters. 
Another  light  had  been  sighted.  With  loaded  guns  we 
bore  down  on  the  strange  vessel,  sending  a  6-pdr.  shell 
whistling  over  her.  This  hove  her  to,  and  after  finding 
her  to  be  the  Britisher  Onsang°ofL,ondon,  she  was  also 
sent  on  her  way  unmolested. 

On  the  morning  of  June  3oth  the  ships  were  nearing 
Corrigedor.  As  a  good  many  unforeseen  things  could 
have  happened  in  the  13  days  the  Baltimore  was  absent, 
a  sharp  look  out  for  anything  out  of  the  common  was 
in  order. 

When  off  Port  Mariveles  the  masts  and  funnels  of 
three  men-of-war  were  caught  sight  of  through  a  gap  in 
the  hills.  "General  quarters"  were  immediately  sounded 
and  everything  made  ready  for  an  attack,  but  this  was 
needless  preparations  as  the  ships  were  the  German 
Ka iserin  Augusta,  Irene  and  Kormoran. 

Proceeding  up  the  bay  Cavite  anchorage  and  our 
ships  were  finally  made  out.  Everything  was  found  to 
be  exactly  as  we  had  left  it  two  weeks  before.  The 
Charleston  took  the  lead,  and  as  the  incoming  ships 
slowly  passed  the  line  of  the  anchored  fleet  the  cheering 
was  immense.  Salutes  were  exchanged,  the  bands 
played,  and  all  rejoiced.  The  Peking  brought  us  the 
first  home  papers  since  the  war  broke  out. 

VIII. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  day  before  the  arrival  of 
the  troops  the  Spanish  gun -boat  Leyte,  a  vessel  some- 
what smaller  than  the  previously  captured  Callao^  was 
driven  out  of  the  Pampangas  River  by  the  rebels  and 
attempted  to  reach  Manila.  She  was  discovered  by  the 
flagship  and  the  McCulloch  was  sent  to  head  her  off. 


THE  WA  R  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES.  13. 

After  bringing  her  over  to  our  fleet  she  was  found 
to  have  a  large  number  of  Spanish  officers  and  men  on 
board.  They  were  starving,  as  their  food  supply  up  the 
river  had  been  completely  exhausted,  but  they  had  a 
large  sum  of  money  on  board.  This  was  confiscated, 
but  not  until  after  the  men  had  been  paid  what  was  due 
them.  Our  admiral  with  his  usual  courtesy  offered  to 
parole  the  officers  but  they  declined,  preferring  to  be 
taken  prisoners  rather  than  be  turned  over  to  the  quest- 
ionable mercy  of  their  own  people. 

The  next  morning  they  were  taken  to  Cavite  under 
a  guard,  disarmed  and  turned  over  to  the  rebels  for 
confinement  with  the  rest  of  the  prisoners. 

The  American  flag  was  hoisted  on  the  Leyte  and  she 
is  now  "one  of  us". 

IX. 

Shortly  after  their  arrival  the  troops  were  landed 
at  Cavite,  and  made  as  comfortable  as  possible  in  the 
buildings  in  the  yard  and  in  close  proximity  outside  of 
the  gate. 

Ammunition  and  stores  were  distributed  among  the 
various  ships  from  the  transports  just  arrived,  and  the 
Baltimore  received  a  new  carriage  and  shield  for  the 
six-inch  gun  disabled  on  the  day  of  the  battle,  and  this 
was  put  in  position. 

Store  ships  loaded  with  all  kinds  of  provisions  came 
in  from  Hong  Kong,  and  they  found  a  ready  sale  for 
their  goods  among  our  ships  and  troops,  at  prices  some- 
what high,  but  yet  within  reach. 

The  large  Belgian  refrigerator  steamer  Culgoa  ar- 
rived from  Australia  with  a  cargo  of  frozen  beef  and 
mutton,  as  well  as  a  quantity  of  vegetables.  Everybody 
fared  well,  and  while  the  headstrong  and  obstinate 
Spaniards  at  Manila  were  eating  horse  flesh  and  what- 


14-  THE  WAR  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES. 

ever  they  could  get  hold  of,  we  were  not   wanting   for 
anything  money  could  buy. 

Admiral  Dewey  evidently  would  take  no  chances 
on  running  short  of  coal,  for  in  addition  to  the  many 
colliers  already  with  our  fleet,  the  large  English  steamer 
Nyanza  and  the  ship  Ellen  A.  Reed  came  in. 

X. 

One  day  the  crew  of  the  Spanish  steamer  Filipinos^ 
which  had  been  in  hiding  in  a  river  near  Subig  Bay. 
mutinied,  killed  their  officers,  and  afterwards  turned 
the  vessel  over  to  the  rebels.  These  mounted  a  few 
guns  on  her,  and  commenced  to, bombard  Grande  Island, 
Port  Subig,  on  which  there  was  a  Spanish  fort. 

After  they  had  got  fairly  started  the  German  man- 
of-war  Irene,  which  seems  to  have  been  cruising  around 
in  the  neighborhood,  came  up  and  interfered. 

The  rebels  immediately  withdrew  and  reported  the 
incident  to  Admiral  Dewey.  He  lost  no  time  in  send- 
ding  the  Raleigh  and  Concord  to  the  scene  of  action, 
with  orders  to  take  the  place  and  turn  it  over  with  the 
prisoners  to  the  insurgents. 

Our  ships  threw  a  few  shells  into  the  fort,  but  re 
ceived  no  reply  until  a  shell  was  dropped  into  the  Span- 
ish Commandant's  house.  A  white  flag  was  then  run 
up,  and  400  prisoners,  including  officers  were  taken  and 
turned  over  to  the  rebels  together  with  the  arms  and 
ammunition. 

The  Spaniards  asked  not  to  be  turned  over  to  the 
insurgents,  and  the  Concord  was  sent  in  to  Cavite  to 
confer  with  the  admiral.  His  'reply  was  short  and  de- 
cisive, and  the  prisoners  were  disposed  of  in  accordance 
with  his  original  orders. 

The  rebels  kept  up  their  customary  daily  and  nightly 
attacks  on  the  Spanish  outposts  in  the  close  vicinity  to 


THE  WA  R  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES.  15. 

Manila,  and  their  advances  and  retreats  were  watched 
with  great  interest  from  our  ships.  There  was  a  marked 
contrast  in  the  two  combatants  mode  of  fighting.  The 
rebels  would  crawl  close  up  to  the  forts,  scattering 
themselves  in  the  heavy  undergrowth  in  true  "bush- 
whacker" fashion,  and  by  a  running  fire  try  to  pick  off 
the  Spanish  gunners.  These,  on  the  other  hand,  would 
resort  almost  exclusively  to  volley-firing,  aiming  at 
nothing  in  particular,  and  as  a  consequence  wasting 
their  ammunition.  Frequently  the  heavy  guns  on  the 
forts  as  well  as  the  rebels'  field  pieces  were  turned  loose, 
mingling  their  heavy  roar  with  the  sharp,  cracking  re- 
ports of  the  musketry  fire. 

In  the  morning  of  July  I5th  the  first  detachment  of 
American  troops  were  landed  on  the  Manila  side  of  the 
bay,  for  the  purpose  of  scouting. 

XI. 

On  July  I3th  the  Boston  weighed  anchor  and  went 
to  sea  to  meet  the  second  installment  of  troops,  now 
nearly  due. 

A  large  four-masted  steamer  was  seen  entering  in 
the  afternoon  of  the  i6th,  and  as  she  drew  nearer  could 
be  made  out  as  the  China,  coming  along  "with  a  bone 
in  her  mouth",  and  with  American  flags  at  every  truck. 
She  had  met  the  Boston,  and  as  she  was  the  speediest 
of  the  fleet,  and  the  coast  was  clear,  she  was  sent  in 
advance  with  the  U.  S.  mail. 

The  other  ships  convoyed  by  the  Boston  came  in 
the  next  morning.  They  were  the  Senator,  Colon  and 
Zealandia. 

The  number  of  troops  brought  by  the  four  ships 
wras  nearly  3,500  and  they  were  soon  snugly  quartered 
at  Cavite. 

That  afternoon  the  Japanese  cruiser  Naniwa  entered 


16.  THE  WAR  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES. 

from  Hong  Kong.  She  brought  the  latest  dispatches 
and  from  her  we  got  the  first  news  of  Sampson's  victory 
at  Santiago  de  Cuba. 

When  the  Olympia  signalled  the  news  to  the  fleet 
it  was  hailed  with  loud  cheers,  and  everybody  felt 
elated  over  the  fact,  that  our  brothers  on  the  other  side 
at  last  had  made  a  move. 

Landing  of  troops  near  the  southern  and  southeast- 
ern suburbs  of  Manila  now  became  part  of  the  daily 
routine. 

Large  cascoes  or  lighters  loaded  with  men  and  out- 
fits and  towed  by  the  captured  tug  Rapido  were  seen  to 
cross  the  harbor  daily,  and  to  the  Spaniards,  watching 
our  movements  from  Manila,  it  must  have  looked  as 
though  the  end  was  drawing  near.  But,  like  the  obsti- 
nate race  they  have  always  been,  they  would  not  sur- 
render— much  rather  fight  it  to  the  bitter  end,  although 
resistance  must  have  seemed  hopeless.  They  appeared 
to  have  implicit  confidence  in  their  leaders,  and,  no 
doubt,  hoped  for  interference  of  some  kind  before  we 
should  strike  the  final  blow. 

The  Boston  steamed  close  inshore  to  cover  the 
troops,  and  small  crafts  were  busily  passing  to  and  fro, 
carrying  supplies  and  messages. 

To  all  outward  appearances  we  were  now  ready  to 
attack  the  city, and  the  foreign  press  began  to  comment 
on  the  slow  and  what  they  chose  to  call  a  too  deliberate 
manner  in  going  at  it.  But  those  in  command  of  the 
American  forces  evidently  knew  what  they  were  about. 
There  was  still  a  large  contingent  of  troops  to  come, 
and  with  them  General  Merritt,  the  newly  appointed 
governor  of  the  Philippines. 

The  monitor  Monterey  with  her  escort,  the  collier 
Brutus  was  daily  expected,  and  it  was  an  understood 
thing,  that  the  bombardment  would  take  place  shortly 
after  their  arrival. 


THE  WA  R  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES.         17. 


XII. 

On  July  25th  the  Newport,  General  Merritt's  flag- 
ship slipped  into  the  harbor  and  anchored  near  our  fleet. 
She  had  left  San  Francisco  two  days  later  than  the 
other  ships  of  the  third  expedition,  but  beat  them  sir 
days,  as  the  Indiana,  Ohio,  Morgan  City,  City  of  Para 
and  Valencia  did  not  put  in  an  appearance  until  Sunday 
July  the  3ist,  when  they  steamed  up  the  bay,  led  by  the 
Indiana,  General  Mac  Arthur's  flagship.  As  they  passed 
through  our  line  to  get  to  an  anchorage  on  the  inside  of 
it,  they  gave  us  an  ovation  worthy  of  Uncle  Sam's  sol- 
diers, and  it  is  needless  to  add,  that  we  returned  the 
cheers  with  interest. 

The  troops  were  landed  at  the  camp  near  Paranaque 
by  means  of  small  steamers  assisted  by  steam  launches 
and  boats  from  our  ships. 

One  night  the  Raleigh,  which  ship  had  relieved  the 
Boston  as  guard  at  our  camp,  signalled:  "General 
Green  reports  that  the  enemy  has  mounted  two  more 
guns  and  that  they  are  adding  to  their  works  daily." 
From  this  it  was  evident,  that  the  Spaniards  meant  re- 
sistance to  the  bitter  end,  and  it  looked  as  though  any 
further  delay  on  our  side  was  uncalled  for. 

XIII. 

In  the  forenoon  of  August  4th,  smoke  was  reported 
in  Boca  Chica,  and  when  shortly  afterwards  it  was 
announced  that  the  Monterey  was  actually  entering  the 
bay,  a  sigh  of  relief  went  up  from  every  man  in  the  fleet, 
as  her  arrival  was  looked  upon  as  "the  beginning  of 
the  end." 

Yes,  there  she  was  at  last  the  much  talked  of  and 
long  looked  for  "pet", with  her  escort  the  collier  Brutus. 

Thote  two  ships  had  just  completed  an  ocean    voy- 


iS,          THE  WAR  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES. 

age  without  precedence  in  naval  history,  and  they  did 
not  look  any  the  worse  for  it.  But  then  it  must  be  re- 
membered, that  they  were  American  ships,  and  that  it 
was  a  Yankee  undertaking. 

Active  preparations  for  the  bombardment  now  began 
taking  definite  shape.  Boats  and  spare  gear  were  sent 
ashore  at  Cavite  or  to  the  store  ships  for  safe  keeping, 
and  our  fighting  ships  were  again  cleared  for  action. 

The  inhabitants  of  Manila  were  given  the  customary 
notice  of  the  impending  bombardment,  and  on  Monday 
morning,  August  8th,  small  craft  of  all  kinds,  loaded 
with  non-combatants  began  crossing  the  bay  to  take  up 
their  residence  at  Cavite. 

The  Charleston  relieved  the  Raleigh  at  Paranaque 
and  the  Baltimore  got  up  steam  ready  to  assist  the 
former  in  reducing  the  fort  at  Malate  in  case  it  should 
open  fire  on  our  troops. 

The  Zafiro,  which  ship  had  gone  to  Hong  Kong 
with  mail  and  dispatches  did  not  return  until  several 
days  overdue,  and  considerable  anxiety  was  felt  for  her 
safety.  When  she  did  arrive  she  brought  the  news  that 
Spain  was  still  sueing  for  peace,  but  that  she  was  reluc- 
tant to  accept  the  terms  set  by  President  McKinley.  As 
a  consequense  hostilities  were  to  continue  unabated. 

On  Tuesday  morning,  August  the  9th,  the  foreign 
fleet  began  to  move  from  their  anchorage  in  front  of  the 
city.  The  British  squadron,  consisting  of  four  men-of- 
war  and  a  half  dozen  or  so  merchant  steamers  loaded 
with  refugees  came  over  to  Cavite,  and  so  did  the  Japan- 
ese cruiser  Naniwa  with  one  coasting  steamer  flying 
the  Japanese  flag. 

On  the  other  hand  the  German  and  the  French 
took  their  refugees  to  Mariveles,  while  their  fleets  of  five 
and  two  ships  respectively,  took  up  an  anchorage  off 
Malabon  to  the  northward  of  Manila. 


THE  WA  R  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES.          19. 

But  our  fleet  did  not  make  a  move  with  the  exception 
of  sending  the  Concord  and  Petrel  over  to  watch  the 
northern  portion  of  the  bay  in  the  vicinity  of  the  French 
and  German  squadrons. 

The  rest  of  our  ships  remained  off  Cavite  occupied 
in  putting  the  finishing  touches  to  the  preparations  for 
the  shelling. 

XIV. 

Wednesday  morning,  the  roth  day  of  August,  was 
ushered  in  with  a  clear  tropical  sky,  and  dazzling  sun- 
shine— quite  an  ideal  day  for  the  task  set  before  us,  and 
a  great  contrast  to  the  stormy  and  rainy  weather  of  the 
past  few  weeks. 

But  we  did  not  shell  the  city  on  that  day — a  great 
disappointment  to  every  man-jack  among  us. 

A  little  after  ten  o'clock,  when  everybody  was  im- 
patiently watching  for  a  signal  to  "get  underway"  or  to 
"prepare  for  action";  the  flagship  signalled:  "Attack 
has  been  postponed",  and  instead  of  going  at  the  long 
hoped  for  bombardment,  the  Baltimore  was  sent  along- 
side of  the  Cyrus  to  coal  ship. 

A  more  dispirited  lot  of  men  than  we  were  on  that 
morning  would  have  been  hard  to  find,  and  a  good 
many  expressed  a  fear  that  peace  would  be  declared 
before  the  undertaking  of  the  desirable  piece  of  work. 

But  on  the  morning  of  August  I3th  everything  was 
at  last  ready  for  the  final  move,  and  it  was  no  false 
alarm  this  time. 

At  ten  minutes  to  nine  o'clock  our  ships  weighed 
anchor  and  stood  out  from  Cavite  with  battle-flags 
streaming  in  the  gentle  breeze,  The  English  cruiser 
Immortalite  with  her  band  playing  American  national 
airs  also  got  underway  with  her  consort  the  Iphigenia, 
and  stood  over  towards  the  French-German  fleet.  The 


so.          THE  WAR  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES. 

Kwong  Hoi,  which  up  to  this  time  had  been  under  the 
British  flag,  came  out  on  that  morning  loaded  with 
troops,  and  with  the  American  colors  floating  over  her. 
As  she  passed  our  ships  the  Boys  in  Blue  gave  three 
hearty  cheers,  and  were  given  a  rousing  response. 

Nearing  the  Manila  side  of  the  bay,  the  Olympia^ 
Raleigh,  Monterey,  Petrel  and  Callao  formed  for  attack, 
while  the  Charleston,  Baltimore  and  Boston  formed  as 
support. 

When  off  the  fort  at  Malate,  the  Olympia  opened 
fire  followed  by  the  Raleigh,  Petrel  and  Callao.  The 
firing  was  kept  up  until  about  IT  o'clock,  when  the  U.S. 
troops  were  in  possession  of  the  fort,  and  "Old  Glory " 
was  flying  over  it. 

The  Spaniards  had  evidently  lost  all  heart,  as  they 
did  not  make  much  of  a  stand. 

Step  by  step  our  land  forces  marched  on  the  city, 
and  the  little  Callao  steamed  close  to  the  shore  to  cover 
the  column,  sending  an  occasional  shell  over  their  heads 
and  into  the  woods  beyond  to  warn  off  possible  bush- 
whackers. From  our  ships  the  long  line  of  soldiers 
could  be  seen  winding  their  way  along  the  beach,  until 
about  noon,  when  they  entered  the  city. 

A  steam  launch  flying  a  flag  of  truce  at  the  bow  and 
the  Belgian  ensign  at  the  stern  was  then  sent  ashore, 
having  on  board  a  representative  of  our  Admiral. 

At  half  past  twelve  only  one  Spanish  flag  was  seen 
flying  over  Manila  and  a  white  one  had  been  hoisted  on 
the  south  bastion  of  the  old  town. 

At  2.30  the  Belgian  launch  returned  from  the  shore 
and  at  2.35  the  flagship  signalled  to  the  fleet,  that  the 
enemy  had  surrendered. 

As  the  string  of  signal-flags  fluttered  in  the  breeze 
from  the  yard-arm  of  the  Olympia,  it  was  loudly  cheered 
by  the  assembled  vessels,  although  most  of  the  men 


THE  IV A  R  IN  THE  PHILIPPINES.          21. 

were  somewhat  disappointed  over  the  seemingly  too 
easy  victory.  But  no  doubt  it  was  best  so,  and  as  the 
end  was  gained  without  much  bloodshed,  everybody 
ought  to  be  satisfied. 

The  large  Spanish  flag  was  still  flying  in  the  very 
heart  of  the  old  city,  and  it  was  exactly  5.45  p.  m., 
when  it  was  seen  to  be  hauled  down  and  a  large  Ameri- 
can one  was  hoisted  in  its  place.  Then,  as  the  latter 
proudly  shook  out  its  glorious  folds,  it  was  hailed  by 
the  national  salute  of  21  guns,  thundering  forth  from 
every  ship  in  our  fleet. 

The  Stars  and  Stripes  were  waving  over  Manila  at 
last,  and  the  proud  old  Spanish  town  was  occupied  by 

Americans, a  fitting  sequel  to  our  achievements  on 

the  first  of  May  ! 

And  far  inshore,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Pasig 

River,  a  Spanish  gun -boat  was  blazing — evidently  set 
on  fire  to  avoid  capture.  The  flames  shed  a  soft  radi- 
ance over  the  now  placid  scene,  and  lingered  lovingly 
on  the  folds  of  "Old  Glory",  while  the  band  of  our  ship 
played  patriotic  music  to  a  patriotic  crew  on  a  patriotic 
occasion. 


APPENDIX. 


CONTENTS. 

1.  Secretary  of  the  Navy's  cablegram  to  Dewey, 

2.  Admiral  Dewey's  report  of  victory. 

3.  Proclamation  of  Captain  General. 

4.  Opinion  of  Spanish  Press  before  the  battle. 

5.  Spanish  account  of  battle. 

6.  Aguinaldo's  Proclamation. 

7.  President  McKiuley's  Message  to  Dewey. 


APPENDIX. 


Cablegram  from  Secretary  of  the  Navy  to  Admiral 
Dewey,  April  24th: 

•'Dewey,  Hong  Kong,  China. 

War  has  commenced  between  the  United  States 
and  Spain.  Proceed  at  once  to  the  Philippine  Islands. 
Commence  operations  at  once,  particularly  against 
the  Spanish  fleet.  You  must  capture  vessels  or  destroy 
them.  Use  utmost  endeavors.  Long." 


Cablegrams  from  Admiral  Dewey  to  Secretary  Long 
reporting  victory  and  taking  possession  of  Cavite. 

"Manila,  May  i. — The  squadron  arrived  at  Manila 
at  daybreak  this  morning.  Immediately  engaged  the 
enemy,  and  destroyed  the  following  Spanish  vessels: 
Reina  Christina,  Castilla,  Ulloa,  Isla  de  Cuba,  Gene- 
ral Lezo,  Duero,  Correo,  Velasco,  Mindanao,  one 
transport  and  the  water  battery  at  Cavite.  The 
squadron  is  uninjured,  and  only  a  few  men  were 
slightly  wounded.  The  only  means  of  telegraphing 
is  to  the  American  Consul  at  Hong  Kong.  I  shall 
communicate  with  him.  Dewey." 


"Cavite,  May  4. — I  have  taken  possession  of  naval 
station  at  Cavite,  Philippine  Islands.  Have  destroyed 
the  fortifications  at  bay  entrance,  paroling  garrison. 
I  control  bay  completely  and  can  take  city  at  any 
time.  The  squadron  in  excellent  health  and  spirits. 
Spanish  loss  not  fully  known,  but  very  heavy.  One 
hundred  and  fifty,  including  Captain,  killed  on  Reina 
Christina.  I  am  assisting  in  protecting  Spanish  sick 
and  wounded.  Two  hundred  and  fifty-six  wounded 
in  hospitals  within  our  lines.  Much  excitement  at 
Manila.  Will  protect  foreign  residents.  Dewey." 


APPENDIX.  iii. 


Proclamation  of  the  Captain  General  of  the  Philip- 
pine Islands,  dated  Manila  April  23rd: — 

"Spaniards: — Between  Spain  and  the  United  States 
of  North  America  hostilities  have  broken  out.  The 
moment  has  arrived  to  prove  to  the  world,  that  we 
possess  the  spirit  to  conquer  those  who,  pretending  to 
be  loyal  friends,  take  advantage  of  our  misfortunes  and 
abuse  our  hospitability,  using  means  which  civilised 
nations  count  unworthy  and  disreputable. 

The  North  American  people,  constituted  of  all  the 
social  excrescences,  have  exhausted  our  patience  and 
provoked  war  with  their  perfidious  machinations,  with 
their  acts  of  treachery,  with  their  outrages  against  the 
laws  of  nations  and  international  conventions. 

The  struggle  will  be  short  and  decisive.  The  God 
of  Victories  will  give  us  one  as  brilliant  and  complete 
as  the  righteousness  of  our  cause  demands.  Spain,  who 
counts  upon  the  sympathies  of  all  the  nations,  will 
emerge  triumphantly  from  this  new  test,  humiliating 
and  blasting  the  adventurers  from  those  states,  that, 
without  cohesion  and  without  a  history,  offers  to 
humanity  only  infamous  traditions  and  the  ungrateful 
spectacle  of  chambers  in  which  appear  united  insolence 
and  defamation,  cowardice  and  cvnicism. 

A  squadron  manned  by  foreigners,  possessing 
neither  instruction  nor  discipline,  is  preparing  to  come 
to  this  archipelago  with  the  ruffianly  intention  of  rob- 
bing us  of  all  that  means  life,  honor  and  libertv.  Pre- 
tending to  be  inspired  by  a  courage  of  which  they  are 
incapable,  the  North  American  seamen  undertake  as 
an  enterprise  capable  of  realisation  the  substitution  of 
Protestantism  for  the  Catholic  religion  you  profess,  to 
treat  you  as  tribes  refractorv  to  civilisation,  to  take 
possession  of  your  riches,  as  if  they  were  unacquainted 
with  the  rights  of  property,  and  to  kidnap  these  per- 
sons whom  they  consider  useful  to  man  their  ships,  or 
to  be  exploited  in  agricultural  or  industrial  labor. 

Vain  designs!  Ridiculous  boastings!  Your  indom- 
itable bravery  will  suffice  to  frustrate  the  attempt  to 
carry  them  into  realisation.  You  will  not  allow  the 
faith  you  profess  to  be  made  a  mock  of,  impious  hands 
to  be  placed  on  the  temple  of  the  true  God,  the  images 


iv.  APPENDIX. 


you  adore  to  be  thrown  down  by  the  unbeliever.  The 
aggressors  shall  not  profane  the  tombs  of  your  fathers; 
they  shall  not  gratify  their  lustful  passions  at  the  cost 
of  your  wives'  and  daughters'  honor,  or  appropriate  the 
property  your  industry  has. accumulated  as  a  provision 
for  your  old  age. 

No,  they  shall  not  perpetrate  any  of  the  crimes  in- 
spired by  their  wickedness  and  covetousness,  because 
your  valor  and  patriotism  will  suffice  to  punish  and 
abase  those,  who,  professing  to  be  civilised  and  culti- 
vated, have  exterminated  the  natives  of  North  America 
instead  of  bringing  them  them  the  life  of  civilisation 
and  progress. 

Philippinos!  prepare  for  the  struggle,  arid  united 
under  the  glorious  Spanish  flag,  which  is  ever  covered 
with  laurels,  let  us  fight  with  the  conviction  that  vic- 
tory will  crown  our  efforts,  and  to  the  calls  of  our 
enemies  let  us  oppose  with  the  decision  of  the  Christian 
and  the  patriot  the  cry  ^Vive  EspanaS 

Your  General. 
Basilic  Augustin  Davilla." 


Opinion  of  the  Spanish  press  before  the  battle  of 
May  ist.  (Translated  from  an  editorial  in  El  Diario, 
Manila's  leading  daily  paper.) 

"Some  of  our  evening  colleagues  comment  with 
alarm  upon  the  arrival  at  Hong  Kong  of  the  North 
American  Pacific  Squadron.  In  this  they  seem  to  see  a 
menace  to  the  Philippines,  and  under  this  head  we  feel 
under  obligation  to  say  a  few  words. 

Remain  tranquil.  We  will  not  allow  ourselves  to 
be  needlessly  alarmed  by  those  persons,  who  like  an 
ostrich  hide  their  heads  under  their  wings  and  rest  in 
fancied  security;  we  will  view  the  question  reduced  to 
its  just  proportions. 

The  rendezvous  of  these  five  North  American  ships, 
which  they  have  dignified  with  the  name  of  a  squadron 
is  not  a  serious  menace  to  our  dominion  in  the  Philip- 
pines; no  more  than  was  the  invasion  of  the  English  in 
1762,  for  the  audacious  Britons  left  for  their  health  after 
being  sufficiently  punished. 


APPENDIX.  v. 

A  London  telegram  says  that  the  men-of-war  united 
at  Hong  Kong  are  the  "iron-dads"  Olympia,  Raleigh, 
Boston,  Concord  and  the  eun-hoat  Petrel. 

There  is  not  among  them  a  single  iron-cl^d.  The 
Olympia  is  a  fine  cruiser  with  a  protective  deck,  but  no 
armor  nor  protection  for  the  battery.  Her  disolacement 
is  5.800  tons,  and  she  has  a  supposed  speed  of  21  knots, 
but  the  real  speed  is  much  less,  as  she  has  not  been 
docked  for  some  time.  She  was  sent  to  this  part  of  the 
Pacific  after  the  beginning  of  the  Hawaiian  question. 

The  Boston  and  Raleigh  are  cruisers  of  the  second 
class,  also  with  protective  decks,  doubtless  very  thin. 
They  have  a  displacement  of  3,189  and  3.183  tons  resp., 
and  their  armament  offers  nothing  extraordinary  ror 
vessels  of  the  tvoe. 

The  Concord  and  Petrel  are  protected  gun-boats  of 
1,700  and  890  tons  respectively,  and  with  a  verv  moder- 
ate speed.  At  the  extreme  we  would  assign  to  them  a 
speed  of  14  knots. 

From  these  data  it  will  be  seen  that  this  is  not  a 
squadron  to  cause  a  single  tremor  to  the  Spanish  power 
in  the  Philippines.  We  have  here  our  own  cruisers  of 
over  3,000  tons,  others  of  more  than  i.ooo  tons  and  verv 
many  gun-boats.  We  also  have  land  batteries  which 
can  do  very  effective  work  against  the  North  American 
ships.  If  one  of  our  projectiles  should  penetrate  one  of 
them  and  disable  their  machinery,  they  would  have  no 
opportunity  of  repairing  them. 

We  do  not  believe  the  North  American  ships  will 
attempt  such  a  doubtful  adventure;  nevertheless  we 
cannot  consider  that  the  Yankees  are  merely  making  a 
straw  fire;  then  with  what  object  have  they  assembled 
their  squadron  at  Hong  Kong? 

For  the  same  reason  they  have  at  Lisbon  a  little 
"squadron"  consisting  of  the  medium  sized  shit)  San 
Francisco,  which  in  less  than  an  hour  the  Maria  Teresa 
or  any  similar  ship  of  her  class  could  destrov,  the  object 
of  this  is  to  make  us  believe  that  not  onlv  Cuba  but  the 
Philippines  and  the  Spanish  peninsula  will  be  attacked 
from  the  four  sides  at  once,  as  it  were. 

As  we  have  so  often  said,  the  Americans  are  merely 
testing  the  strength  and  spirit  of  our  government. 

They  do  not  care  for  war, 'but  expect    to    gain    all 


vi.  APPENDIX. 


the  successes  that  war  would  give  them,  assuming  those 
strategic  positions  without  the  necessity  of  war. 

Looked  at  in  this  light,  the  approximate  visit  of 
the  American  fleet  to  the  Philippines  in  not  sufficient 
to  raise  a  single  fear,  much  less  to  produce  the  moral 
effect  intended  bv  the  Washington  government. 

It  all  looks  like  the  movements  on  a  chess-board, 
whereby  the  government  at  Washington  is  attempting 
to  force  movements  on  the  Sagasta  Cabinet. 

To  gain  the  advantage  without  loss  to  himself,  is 
the  whole  object  of  McKinley's  play." 

(It  is  evident  that  the  Spaniards  were  not  so  well 
informed  after  all,  as  they  fail  to  mention  the  4,600 
ton  cruiser  Baltimore,  which  ship  joined  the  Asiatic 
squadron  on  April  22nd.) 


The  Spanish  account  of  Naval  Battle  of  Cavite. 
(From  El  Diario  de  Manila,  May  4th,  1898.) 

"When  the  enemy's  squadron  was  sighted  in  perfect 
line  of  battle  through  the  clouds  of  a  misty  dawn  on  the 
morning  of  the  ist  of  May,  gloom  and  surprise  were 
general  among  the  people  of  Manila.  At  last  these  ships 
had  strained  their  boldness  to  the  point  of  appearing  on 
our  coast  and  defying  our  batteries,  which  showed  more 
courage  and  valor  than  effect  when  they  opened  fire  on 
the  squadron.  It  needs  something  more  than  courage 
to  make  projectiles  penetrate — indeed  it  does! 

The  inequality  of  our  batteries  when  compared 
with  those  of  the  squadron  which  alarmed  us  at  five  in 
the  morning,  was  enough  to  transform  our  tranquil  tem- 
peraments. While  the  ladies  and  children  in  carriages 
or  on  foot  fled  in  fright  to  seek  refuge  in  the  outlying 
suburbs  from  dangers  multiplied  by  their  imagination, 
every  man  from  the  stately  personage  to  the  most  humble 
workman,  merchants  and  mechanics,  Spaniards  and 
natives,  soldiers  and  civilians  sought  their  stations  and 
put  on  their  arms,  confident  that  never  should  the  enemy 
land  in  Manila  unless  he  passed  over  their  corpses.  Yet 
from  the  first  moment  the  strength  of  the  enemy's  ar- 
mor and  the  power  of  his  guns  demonstrated  that  his 
ships  were  invulnerable  to  our  energies  and  armaments; 


APPENDIX.  vii. 


the  hostile  squadron  would  never  have  entered  our  bay 
had  not  its  success  been  guaranteed  by  its  manifest 
superiority. 

The  city  walls,  church  towers,  roofs  of  high  build- 
ings and  all  high  places  convenient  for  observation  were 
occupied  bv  those  who  were  not  retained  by  military 
duties,  and  the  slightest  details  noted  as  the  enemy's 
ships  advanced  towards  Cavite  in  a  line  parallel 
with  the  water  front  of  Manila,  as  though  coming 
out  of  Pasig  River.  There  was  not  a  gap  in  the 
line  and  all  \vho  appreciated  the  impunity  with  which 
the  hostile  ships  maneuvered  as  if  on  a  harmless  parade 
were  full  of  such  rage  and  desperation  as  belongs  to  the 
brave  man  who  can  not  make  use  of  his  courage. 

On  they  stood  at  full  speed  in  column  of  battle  and 
headed  for  Cavite  with  the  decision  due  to  a  sense  of 
safety  and  a  firm  assurance  of  success.  Then  the  battle 
began,  and  for  more  than  an  hour  and  a  half  the  bom- 
bardment held  in  suspense  those  whose  souls  followed 
the  unequal  struggle,  in  which  the  Spanish  ships  went 
down  with  their  glorious  banners  flying. 

What  was  going  on  at  Cavite?  From  Manila  we 
saw  the  two  squadrons  almost  mingled  together  through 
clouds  of  smoke.  This  was  not  far  from  a  victory  for 
our  side,  considering  the  weakness  of  our  batteries,  for 
once  alongside  the  enemy  the  cry  of  "boarders  away", 
and  the  flash  of  cold  steel  might  have  enabled  our  brave 
seamen  to  disturb  the  calm  in  which  \vatches  and  instru- 
ments were  regulated  and  directing  those  engines  of 
destruction.  How  could  we  paint  the  heroic  deeds  of 
our  men-of-war  in  the  blindness  of  our  rage? 

Those  who  fought  beneath  the  Spanish  flag  bore 
themselves  like  men,  as  chosen  sons  of  our  native  land, 
who  never  measure  forces,  nor  yield  to  superior  force  in 
the  hands  of  an  enemy,  who  would  rather  die  without 
ships,  than  live  in  ships  which  have  surrendered. 

Since  we  cannot  construct  the  bloody  scene  which 
was  enacted  last  Sunday  at  Cavite,  we  will  not  attempt 
a  description,  which  would  only  be  a  pale  shadow  of 
great  deeds  deserving  a  perpetual  place  in  the  pages  of 
history. 

When  the  hostile  squadron  turned  toward  Cavite, 
the  crew  of  the  steamer  Isla  de  Mindanao  heard  the 
drums  beat  to  quarters,  and  answered  with  enthusiasm, 


viii.  APPENDIX. 


with  three  cheers  for  the  Kins:,  the  Queen  and  vSpain. 

Later  until  a  quarter  to  five,  absolute  silence  reigned 
as  everything  was  ready.  The  idea  of  death  was  lost  in 
ardor  for  the  fray,  and  everv  eye  was  fixed  on  the  battle 
flags  waving  at  our  mastheads.  In  perfect  and  majestic 
order — why  should  we  deny  this? —  the  nine  Yankee 
ships  advanced  in  battle  arrav.  The  Olvmfiia  bearing 
the  Admiral's  flag  led  the  column,  followed  bv  the 
other  ships  steering  at  full  soeed  towards  Cavite.  Their 
flagship  opened  fire  and  an  instant  reply  came  from  the 
batterv  on  the  mole  which  kept  on  firing  at  five  minute 
intervals,  while  the  iron-clad  shaped  her  course  for  the 
Reina  Christina  and  Castillo.,  Into  both  these  ships  she 
poured  a  stead v  and  rapid  fire  seconded  by  the  ships 
which  followed  in  her  wake.  Another  shin  which  kept 
up  a  very  heavv  fire  on  our  line  was  the  Baltimore,  and 
so  the  cannonade  went  on  until  a  quarter  to  eight.  At 
that  moment  the  Don  Juan  de  Austria  advanced  against 
the  enemy,  intending  to  board  the  Olvmpia,  and  if  a 
tremendous  broadside  had  not  stopped  her  self-devoted 
charge,  both  ships  would  -perhaps  have  gone  down. 

The  captain  of  the  Christina  seeing  that  the  resolute 
attempt  of  his  consort  had  failed,  advanced  at  full  speed 
until  within  200  yards  of  the  Olympta.  aiming  to  attack 
her.  Then  a  shower  of  proiectiles  swept  the  bridge  and 
decks  filling  the  ship  with  dead  and  wounded. 

Heroes  and  martyrs  whom  the  nation  will  remem- 
bes  as  long  as  it  endures! 

A  dense  column  of  smoke  from  the  how-compart- 
ment showed  that  an  incendiary  projectile,  such  as  the 
law  of  God  and  man  prohibits,  had  set  fire  to  the  ship. 
She  still  kept  up  her  fire  on  the  enemy  and  withdrew 
towards  the  arsenal,  where  she  was  sunk  to  keep  her 
from  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 

The  desperation  of  her  men  was  aggravated  by  the 
sight  of  the  Castilla  also  in  a  blaze  from  a  similar  use 
of  inrendiary  projectiles. 

The  principal  ships  of  our  little  squadron  having 
thus  been  put  out  of  action,  the  Yankee  vessels,  some 
of  them  badly  crippled,  stood  out  towards  the  entrance 
of  the  bav,  ceasing  their  fire  and  occupying  themselves 
in  repairing  injuries  until  TO  o'clock,  when  they  began 
a  second  attack  to  complete  their  work  of  destruction. 


APPENDIX. 


In  this  second  attack  the  fire  at  the  arsenal  was 
silenced,  and  they  occupied  themselves  in  cannonading 
the  blazing  gun -boats.  One  of  their  ships,  which  seemed 
to  have  nothing  more  venturesome  to  undertake,  set  to 
work  to  riddle  the  mail  steamer  Is/a  de  Mindanao, 

Now  that  our  ships  were  in  flames  Admiral  Montojo 
who  had  shown  his  flag  as  long  as  there  was  a  vessel 
afloat  landed,  and  hostilities  ceased. 

The  only  Spanish  ship  which  had  not  been  destroyed 
by  fire  or  by  the  enemy's  projectiles  sunk  herself  so  she 
could  not  be  taken  by  the  enemy, 

Such  in  broad  outlines,  which  we  cannot  at  this 
moment  correct,  was  the  naval  battle  of  Cavite,  in  which 
the  last  glimpse  of  our  squadron  showed  the  Spanish 
flag. 

The  gunners  of  the  batteries  defending  Manila  and 
Cavite  showed  the  highest  degree  of  heroism.  The  one 
which  did  the  most  harm  to  the  enemy  was  the  battery 
on  Point  Sangley  made  up  of  Hontoria  guns.  From  this 
came  the  shot  that  hit  the  Boston  while  four  ships  were 
pouring  in  their  fires  to  reduce  it  to  silence. 

To  one  of  its  shots  is  also  attributed  the  hurt  which 
turned  the  Baltimore  from  the  fight. 

The  Luneta  battery  at  Manila  assailed  the  Yankee 
ships  with  much  vigor,  and  was  the  object  of  the  ene- 
my's special  attention  as  he  stood  past  the  fortifications 
of  Manila,  heading  for  Cavite. 

Guns  of  about  6-inch  calibre  were  mounted  at  the 
entrance  to  the  bay  on  Corrigedor  and  Caballo  Islands, 
on  El  Fraile  Rock,  on  the  south  shore  at  Pt.  Restinga 
and  Mariveles  and  on  the  north  shore  on  Punta  Gorda 
and  Point  Lasisi. 

Admiral  Montojo  has  received  a  telegram  of  con- 
gratulations from  the  Minister  of  Marine,  who  in  his 
own  name  and  in  the  name  of  the  Queen  of  Spain  filici- 
tates  the  navy  of  this  Archipelago  for  gallant  behavior 
on  the  day  of  Cavite.  These  are  the  terms  of  the  tele- 
gram referred  to:  'Honor  and  glory  to  the  Spanish 
fleet  which  fought  so  heroically  in  the  bay'." 

Proclamation  of  General  Aguinaldo,  the  leader  of 
the  Insurgent  forces  in  the  Philippines: 

"Filipinos: — The  great  North  American  nation,  the 
repository  of  true  liberty  and  therefore  the  friend  of 


APPENDIX. 


freedom  for  our  nation,  oppressed  and  subjugated  by 
the  tyranny  and  despotism  of  its  rulers,  has  come  to 
afford  to  the  inhabitants  a  protection  as  decisive  as  it  is 
undoubtedly  disinterested,  regarding  our  unfortunate 
country  as  possessing  sufficient  civilisation  and  aptitude 
for  self-government ;  and  in  order  to  justify  this  high 
conception  formed  of  us  by  the  great  American  nation, 
we  ought  to  reprobate  all  such  acts  as  may  derogate  from 
that  conception,  such  as  pillage,  robbery,  and  every 
class  of  outrage  against  person  and  property.  In  order 
to  avoid  international  conflict  during  the  period  of  our 
campaign,  I  order  as  follows: — 

Art.  I.  The  lives  and  property  of  all  foreigners 
shall  be  respected,  including  in  this  denomination  Chi- 
nese and  all  Spaniards  who  have  not  directly  or  indirectly 
contributed  to  the  bearing  of  arms  against  us. 

Art.  II.  Equally  respected  shall  be  those  of  the 
enemy  who  shall  lay  down  their  arms. 

Art.  III.  Medical  establishments  and  ambulances 
shall  also  be  respected  and  the  persons  and  the  effects 
attached  thereto,  unless  they  display  hostility. 

Art.  IV.  Persons  disobeying  the  provisions  of  the 
three  preceeding  articles  shall  be  summarily  tried  and 
executed  if  their  disobedience  leads  to  assassination, 
incendiarism,  robbery  or  rape. 

Given  at  Cavite,  May  24th,  1898. 

Emilio  Aguinaldo." 


Cablegram  from  President  McKinley  to  Admiral 
Dewey  through  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  dated  Wash- 
ington May  i2th; — 

"Dewey,  Hong  Kong. 

Following  is  quotation  from  joint  resolutions  tend- 
ering thanks  of  Congress  to  Commodore  George  Dewey 
U.  S.  N.,  and  to  officers  and  men  of  squadron  under  his 
command; — 'Resolved  by  Senate  and  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  United  States  in  Congress  assembled: 
That  in  pursuance  of  the  recommendation  of  the  Presid- 
ent, the  thanks  of  Congress  and  the  American  people' 


APPENDIX.  xi. 


are  hereby  tendered  to  Commodore  George  Dewey,U.S. 
Navy,  Com'd'r. -in-Chief  of  U.  S.  Naval  Force  on  Asiatic 
Station,  for  highly  distinguished  conduct  in  conflict 
with  the  enemy  as  displayed  by  him  in  the  destruction 
of  the  Spanish  fleet  and  batteries  in  the  harbor  of  Manila 
on  May  ist,  1898. 

'That  the  thanks  of  Congress  and  the  American 
people  are  hereby  extended  through  Commodore  Dewey 
to  officers  and  men  of  his  command  for  the  gallantry 
and  skill  exhibited  by  them  on  that  occasion . 

'This  act  having  been  approved  by  the  President  on 
May  loth,  you  have  been  commissioned  Rear  Admiral. 
The  Department  takes  great  pleasure  in  transmitting 
this  information  to  you,  which  you  will  convoy  to  the 
officers  and  men  under  your  command.  Long." 


When  bright  and  early. on  that  morn 
We  battled  for  the  right 
We  little  thought  ere  noon  was  "born 
Ho  Spaniard  'd  "be  in  sight. 

Yet  so  it  was;  when  noon-day  glare 
Of  tropic  sun  did  shed 
It's  rays  upon  our  ships,  it  were 
The  Spanish,  who  had  fled. 


